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DUBAI, UAE / KAMPALA, UGANDA — UAE-based Ugandan digital creator and filmmaker Rashid Lumunye has achieved a monumental milestone after winning the grand prize of AED 100,000 (approximately UGX 100 million) in the prestigious “Best Dubai-It Story” contest.
Outperforming thousands of international entries across the United Arab Emirates, Lumunye was officially named the champion during a live finale broadcast on The Lovin Dubai Show.
Navigating a high-stakes final alongside fellow international nominees Mariana Mustafina and Maymi Asgari, the 28-year-old Ugandan storyteller captured top honors for his compelling narrative detailing his seven-year journey from an unknown tourist visa arrival to a Golden Visa holder in the UAE.
Following the announcement of his victory, an emotional Lumunye immediately called a family member to share the life-changing news, promising to take them for the holy pilgrimage of Umrah in Mecca this coming December.
How did Rashid Lumunye win the AED 100000 Dubai-It contest?
The #Dubai_It campaign invited residents across the United Arab Emirates to submit short-form video entries documenting their personal transformations, before-and-after journeys, and real-life resilience within the city.
Organized by media platform Lovin Dubai, the initiative evaluated entries based on authenticity, emotional resonance, production quality, and the ability to capture the spirit of Dubai as a global hub for self-belief and hard work.
Lumunye’s winning entry—condensing seven years of personal struggle, skill development, and career breakthroughs into a cinematic viral reel—was described by judges as a masterclass in perseverance.
“Rashid’s winning entry captured the true beating heart of the city,” Lovin Dubai announced in an official statement following the live finale. “His story was a masterclass in resilience, showing what happens when you back yourself, embrace the grind, and truly Dubai It.”
Who is Rashid Lumunye and how did he build his career in Dubai?
Born on January 4, 1998, in Uganda, Rashid Lumunye began his journey in the United Arab Emirates on April 18, 2018, landing at Terminal 2 of Dubai International Airport as a 20-year-old with a single suitcase and a three-month tourist visa.
Facing immediate financial pressure, he secured employment as an office boy earning a monthly salary of AED 1,500. Operating out of a shared bunk bed in a crowded apartment, he sent AED 400 to 500 back to his family in Uganda every month while spending his night hours teaching himself professional video editing using Adobe Premiere Pro.
The Transition to Full-Time Content Creation
Lumunye’s trajectory changed significantly after he connected with international creator Nuseir Yassin (Nas Daily), who encouraged him to adapt his cinematic travel footage into short-form storytelling formats.
- Viral Social Media Reach: Lumunye built a massive social media presence, amassing over 650,000 followers on TikTok (@rashidlumunye) and millions of views across Instagram and YouTube.
- The UAE Golden Visa: In recognition of his exceptional filmmaking, digital impact, and cultural promotion of the UAE, he was awarded the prestigious 10-Year UAE Golden Visa in the content creator category.
- Global Mentorship: He established Creatives Global, an online community and training platform where he mentors aspiring African storytellers in videography, editing, and personal brand monetization.
What is the Dubai-It campaign launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum?
The storytelling contest forms part of a broader vision launched on June 17, 2026, by the Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
The national initiative was designed to instill an institutional culture centered on turning bold ideas and personal ambitions into measurable, high-quality results through rapid execution.
On June 24, 2026, the Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, officially launched the annual Dubai-It Award.
The official award framework recognizes individuals, corporate entities, and community leaders across eight core sectors:
- Government & Public Service
- Business & Entrepreneurship
- Education & Youth Empowerment
- Technology & Digital Innovation
- Real Estate & Urban Development
- Sports & Athletics
- Healthcare & Medical Research
- Community Work & Media Storytelling
According to the Dubai Protocol Department, the award evaluates nominees based on four strict metrics: execution quality, speed of delivery, real-world impact, and long-term sustainability. Lumunye’s story served as the benchmark for individual community achievement.
Why does Rashid Lumunye oppose misinformation among Ugandan content creators?
Throughout his rise to prominence, Lumunye has maintained a clear editorial stance, advocating for constructive, educational digital content over social media clickbait and sensationalism.
In public interviews addressing the responsibilities of digital influencers, Lumunye criticized creators who leverage their platforms to spread harmful rumors or misinform audiences in pursuit of quick views:
“They have become influencers influencing bad causes,” Lumunye observed regarding unethical content practices. “Instead of sharing content that will transform fellow Ugandans, the focus is more on misinformation. Creators must use their platforms to share information that improves their followers’ lives, builds skills, and exposes them to genuine global opportunities.”
Through his UGX 100 million victory, mentorship programs, and ongoing travel vlogs, Lumunye continues to demonstrate that ethical storytelling and personal discipline can elevate African content creators onto the global stage. You can watch The First Official Nominee Announcement for Dubai It
